The next day, the group battle officially commenced.
The vast forest adjacent to Tokyo Jujutsu High had already been shrouded by a massive Curtain. This area, processed with Jujutsu, had even denser and more rugged trees. Abandoned simulated structures were scattered throughout. The air was filled with the uncomfortable, foul aura emitted by the large number of low-level Cursed Spirits deliberately released. This was the arena for the Sister School Exchange Event group battle.
On the clearing at the forest's edge, students from both schools stood on opposite sides. An invisible tension collided and compressed in the air. The aftershocks of yesterday's conflict had not yet subsided, adding more gunpowder to this confrontation.
On the Kyoto School side, Zenin Ryuichi's absence was particularly conspicuous.
Supervising teacher Kurosaki Hiroki's face was tense as he gave the students their final instructions.
Principal Gakuganji sat upright on the high platform, forming a stark contrast with Yaga Masamichi beside him. His face was as gloomy as water. His gaze swept over the area below like a cold searchlight, especially lingering on Mukyoku Nagi for a moment, carrying undisguised scrutiny and displeasure.
Kamo Kenji stood at the front of the team, his expression managed appropriately, maintaining the bearing of the Big Three Families. However, deep in his eyes flickered calculating and probing light, repeatedly glancing discreetly at Nagi.
The commoner genius Nishimura Kenta stood in the middle-to-back section of the team, lips pressed together, hands slightly clenched into fists, appearing somewhat nervous. However, his eyes showed more determination and eagerness to try. He longed to prove himself, especially after witnessing that shocking punch yesterday.
The rest of the Kyoto students also mostly wore serious expressions, as if facing a great enemy.
On the Tokyo School side, the style remained unique.
"Ahh—I'm so sleepy—"
Gojo Satoru yawned enormously without any regard for his image, his entire body practically collapsing onto Geto Suguru's back.
"Why does the exchange event have to be at a time when humans should still be sleeping! Hurry up and finish reading the rules so we can fight. I can't wait to add dishes to Suguru's 'menu'!"
Geto Suguru skillfully bore the responsibility of being a human support frame, wearing an impeccable gentle smile on his face:
"Satoru, patience is a virtue. Moreover, calling Cursed Spirits a 'menu' sounds a bit too disgusting."
As he spoke, he discreetly pulled out a lemon candy from his pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth—clearly preparing in advance for the upcoming "feast."
"Tch, Suguru, you're looking more and more like those rotten higher-ups with that fake seriousness."
"Oi, are you serious?"
"You two! Get it together!"
Iori Utahime couldn't bear to watch anymore and complained in a low voice to Mei Mei, cross-shaped veins popping on her forehead. "This is a serious exchange event! Look at them! Where's the appearance of representing the school!"
Mei Mei's lips curved slightly: "Relax, Utahime. Watching the show is part of the fun."
Mukyoku Nagi stood at the front of the team, his Vermilion Eyes slightly open, calmly surveying the entire field structure and the distribution of Cursed Spirits.
He spoke in a low voice, not loud but clearly reaching his teammates' ears: "Shoko, coordinate from the center, prioritize self-preservation. Mei Mei-senpai, aerial view when the time comes, marking high-density Cursed Spirit clusters and opponent movements—I'm counting on you."
Mei Mei smiled slightly. Several pitch-black crows silently flew into the sky, and her vision instantly shared with the birds: "Understood."
Shoko nodded, flexing her wrists: "No problem."
"Satoru, Suguru, you two... adapt as needed."
Mukyoku Nagi turned to look at Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, remaining silent for a while before speaking.
"Hehe, got it."
Gojo Satoru rubbed his palms together, his face full of interest, while Geto Suguru simply smiled and nodded.
Ieiri Shoko had her hands in her pockets, looking unmotivated, but her eyes were more serious than usual. She quietly nudged Mukyoku Nagi beside her and said in a low voice: "Hey, don't be too impulsive later. There are definitely a lot of people watching you."
Nagi's gaze swept calmly over the Kyoto School members, especially pausing for a moment on Kamo Kenji, then he nodded lightly: "Mn. I know." His condition had returned to its usual calm, but deep within those Vermilion Eyes, there seemed to be something more profound than before.
A referee from the Jujutsu organization with a rigid expression stepped forward and announced the rules in an emotionless voice:
"The group battle rules are as follows: Teams from both schools will enter the field in a race to exorcise Cursed Spirits. Exorcising one Grade 3 Cursed Spirit earns 10 points; a Grade 2 Cursed Spirit earns 20 points."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over both sides, and added what were clearly carefully "designed" additional clauses:
"Additionally, two new rules are added: First, successfully eliminating one member from the opposing school's team will immediately grant points equivalent to exorcising 10 Grade 2 Cursed Spirits, which is 100 points."
Upon hearing this rule, many on the Kyoto School side's eyes lit up, their gazes becoming more aggressive. Nishimura Kenta frowned slightly, seemingly disliking this rule.
"Second," the referee continued, "each team has one 'Special Value Team Member.' If that member is eliminated, their team will be deducted points equivalent to exorcising 10 Grade 1 Cursed Spirits, which is 500 points. This identity is determined by lottery draw and is only known to the referee. The team member themselves and their teammates are unaware of this identity."
This rule caused a subtle commotion at the scene. The increased uncertainty meant tactics required more consideration.
A barely perceptible arc appeared at the corner of Gakuganji's mouth.
"Finally, to increase confrontation, every ten minutes, we will broadcast the specific location of a randomly selected participant to the entire field."
"In the end, the winner will be determined by total points. Causing fatal injuries or intentional maiming is strictly prohibited. Now... the match begins!"
With the referee's command, the Kyoto side shot into the dense and dangerous forest like a torrent of sharp arrows.
As for the Tokyo side...
"Mm—ahh~ Well then... shall we go?"
"Ah."
"Let's go."
"Hey, this is way too slow."
"What does it matter? We're definitely going to win anyway."
Mukyoku Nagi and the others strolled leisurely into the forest, as if they were out for a casual walk.